Have you ever been taken aback by a life lesson that a doctor taught you? Here's one such lesson taught by Dr Sudhir Kumar who recently shared an incident that talks about self-care in volumes.
Dr Sudhir Kumar's post on social media talks about self-care and why it is important. In a country, where there are few doctors to attend to hundreds and thousands of patients, Dr Kumar's post is a lesson for all the doctors who find less time to take care of themselves. The life of doctors in India is a mix of dedication, pressure, and purpose. From long, demanding study years to intense hospital shifts, their journey is filled with sacrifice. Many work extended hours, often in overcrowded hospitals with limited resources, especially in public healthcare.
"A few days back while running, a person on his two-wheeler stopped beside me, and requested a follow-up consultation (he had consulted me about six weeks earlier). I requested him to consult me at hospital. When he visited me at the hospital a few days later, he was upset that I gave more importance to running that doing a follow-up consultation (on the road). I told him: I care about my health and there is a proper place (and time) for medical consultation. He was still not convinced with my explanation," Dr Kumar has posted on social media platform X.
"I remember my train journeys from CMC Vellore (Tamil Nadu) to Bokaro (Bihar, now Jharkhand) in 90s. Journey was about 40 hours+. The moment co-passengers got to know that I am a doctor, the entire journey would become a place for consultation, second opinion, and all sorts of medical advice. Later on, when asked about my job during journeys, I used to say, I work as an office assistant," he writes.
Netizens and fellow doctors were quick to respond.
"I stopped using Dr as a prefix when I was awoken from sleep to tend to a train passenger. No 'thank you' followed. Responding to requests of air hostesses to rush to a hypoglycaemic patient and keep sitting beside him thro the journey, I expected gratitude," one X user has commented.
"It happens in family weddings as well. We have a cousin who is a doctor. Whenever we all assemble for a wedding in that city, each one of us discuss our health issues to get some solutions or ideas on how to proceed, especially oldies," writes another.
Read the post here:
Why self-care is less talked about in medical profession?
In the medical profession, self-care often takes a backseat due to the deeply ingrained culture of self-sacrifice and constant service. From the earliest stages of training, doctors are taught to prioritize patients above all else. Long hours, minimal sleep, and emotional detachment are often seen as badges of honor—symbols of dedication. As a result, many healthcare professionals internalize the belief that taking care of their own well-being is a sign of weakness or lack of commitment.
The fear of judgment or stigma plays a role. Admitting to stress, anxiety, or burnout may be perceived as incompetence or an inability to cope with the pressures of the job. This discourages open conversations about mental health and self-care within the medical community.
Systemic issues also contribute. Overburdened hospitals, staff shortages, and the relentless demand for care leave little time or space for self-care practices. Even institutional policies often fail to address the wellness needs of healthcare workers.
The irony is stark: those trained to heal others often neglect themselves. However, this relentless commitment can lead to physical exhaustion, emotional fatigue, and mental burnout. Long working hours, sleep deprivation, emotionally charged situations, and the constant pressure to perform flawlessly take a toll on their overall well-being. This is why self-care is not a luxury for doctors—it’s a necessity.
Regular sleep, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and moments of rest and reflection are essential to sustain their energy and focus. Mental health support, mindfulness practices, and taking breaks from high-pressure environments allow them to process stress and prevent compassion fatigue.
When doctors take care of themselves, they’re more resilient, empathetic, and better equipped to handle the demands of their profession. A well-rested, emotionally balanced doctor is less prone to errors and more capable of forming meaningful connections with patients.
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